Cleaning Chrome and Nickel Silver

Water conditions vary across the country. Chemicals and minerals in water and air can combine to have an adverse effect on the finish of your products. In addition, nickel silver shares similar characteristics and appearance with sterling silver, and slight tarnishing is normal. For care of your nickel silver or chrome products, we recommend that you rinse away any traces of soap and gently dry with a clean soft cloth after each use.

This care will maintain the high gloss finish of your KALLISTA® product and avoid water spotting. An occasional application of a pure, nonabrasive wax is helpful in preventing water spot buildup and light buffing with a soft cloth will produce a high luster. To remove water spots and tarnishing, apply a small amount of Simichrome Polish® to the nickel silver or chrome fixture; rub briskly; wipe clean with a clean, soft cloth. Simichrome also contains a protective film to enhance maintenance.

NOTE: DO NOT USE ABRASIVE CLEANERS OR SOLVENTS
NOTE: FOR MIXED-FINISH PRODUCTS, USE THE APPROPRIATE CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE COMPONENT FINISH

While KALLISTA luxury finishes plate to a greater thickness and higher quality than usual, they are still jewelry finishes and require special maintenance. Water conditions vary across the country. Chemicals and minerals in water and air can combine to have an adverse effect on the finish of your products. Rinse away any traces of soap and gently dry with a clean soft cloth after each use.

This care will maintain the high-gloss finish of your KALLISTA products and avoid water spotting. An occasional application of a pure, nonabrasive wax is helpful in preventing water spot buildup, and light buffing with a soft cloth will produce a high luster. Do not allow materials such as toothpaste, nail polish remover or caustic drain cleaners to remain on the surface. Over time, with constant cleaning, the surface of your product may begin to show wear. The wear will take the form of faint lines in the highly polished surface.

NOTE: DO NOT USE ABRASIVE CLEANERS OR SOLVENTS
NOTE: FOR MIXED-FINISH PRODUCTS, USE THE APPROPRIATE CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE COMPONENT FINISH

Care of Unlacquered Brass

Brass will naturally tarnish or age quickly after little exposure to its environment, creating a beautiful brown or gray-green color. Rinse away any traces of soap and gently dry with a clean soft cloth after each use. Brass polishing compound applied with a soft cloth will remove the patina and restore the brass to its original shine.

NOTE: DO NOT USE ABRASIVE CLEANERS OR SOLVENTS WHILE CARING FOR UNLACQUERED BRASS PRODUCTS
NOTE: FOR MIXED-FINISH PRODUCTS, USE THE APPROPRIATE CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE COMPONENT FINISH

IMPORTANT! Use water-soluble cleaners (dissolve 100% in water). Cream-base cleaners have a tendency to build up, reducing the friction on slip-resistant surfaces. Express bathroom cleaner may be used on the Safeguard surface of your whirlpool. It is not sold commercially. Call 1-800-470-8337 to order. You may use a soft nylon brush on the Safeguard surface.

While cleaning your cast-iron Whirlpool, do not use steel wool, wire brushes or abrasive sponge pads. In the rare occurrence of stubborn stains, use abrasives or abrasive cleaners sparingly, but not on the Safeguard surface on the bottom of the whirlpool. For occasional rust removal you may use Whink® Rust and Iron Stain Remove or muriatic acid.

Cleaning Your User Keypad and Remote Control

Use a soft cloth to wipe the keypad and remote control after each use. If the surface becomes dirty, use a nonabrasive soap and warm water to clean.

Flushing Your Whirlpool System

Flush your whirlpool system twice a month or more, depending on usage. Use the following sequence:

1. Turn the jet trim rings fully clockwise to remove air induction.
2. Fill the whirlpool with warm water to a level at least 2” (5 cm) above the highest jets, or leave water in the whirlpool after using.
3. Add 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of a low-foaming dishwasher detergent and 20 ounces (590 ml) of household bleach (5% - 6% sodium hypochlorite) to the water.
4. Run the whirlpool for 5 to 10 minutes. Turn off the whirlpool and drain the water.
5. If desired, rinse bath surfaces with water.
6. Rinse surfaces of the jets, faucet, handrails, drain, etc., and wipe dry with a soft cloth.

Care of Acrylic or Cast Stone Products

Cleaning Your Acrylic or Cast Stone Products

Do not use abrasive cleansers or solvents on acrylic surfaces. Wipe out acrylic or cast stone bath or basin with a soft cloth after each use. Avoid detergents, disinfectants or cleaning products in aerosol cans. If the surface becomes excessively dirty, use a general-purpose cleaner such as:

NOTE: TO RESTORE DULL OR SCRATCHED UNITS, APPLY WHITE AUTOMOTIVE POLISHING COMPOUND WITH A CLEAN RAG. RUB SCRATCHES AND DULL AREAS VIGOROUSLY. WIPE OFF RESIDUE. FOLLOW WITH A COAT OF WHITE AUTOMOTIVE PASTE WAX. DO NOT WAX AREAS WHERE YOU WALK OR STAND.

Use a soft cloth to wipe the keypad and remote control after each use. If the surface becomes dirty, use a nonabrasive soap and warm water to clean.

How to Flush Your Whirlpool System

Flush your whirlpool system twice a month or more, depending on usage. Use the following sequence in order to correctly flush your whirlpool:

1. Turn the jet trim rings fully clockwise to remove air induction.
2. Fill the whirlpool with warm water to a level at least 2” (5 cm) above the highest jets, or leave water in the whirlpool after using.
3. Add 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of a low-foaming dishwasher detergent and 20 ounces (590 ml) of household bleach (5%- 6% sodium hypochlorite) to the water.
4. Run the whirlpool for 5 to 10 minutes. Turn off whirlpool and drain water.
5. If desired, rinse bath surfaces with water.
6. Rinse surfaces of the jets, faucet, handrails, drain etc. and wipe them dry with a soft cloth.

Care of Acrylic Whirlpools

Cleaning Your Acrylic Whirlpool

Do not use abrasive cleansers or solvents on acrylic surfaces. Wipe out acrylic whirlpool with a soft cloth after each use. Avoid detergents, disinfectants or cleaning products in aerosol cans when washing your whirlpool. If the surface becomes excessively dirty, use a general-purpose cleaner such as:

NOTE: TO RESTORE DULL OR SCRATCHED UNITS, APPLY WHITE AUTOMOTIVE POLISHING COMPOUND WITH A CLEAN CLOTH. RUB SCRATCHES AND DULL AREAS VIGOROUSLY. WIPE OFF RESIDUE. FOLLOW WITH A COAT OF WHITE AUTOMOTIVE PASTE WAX. DO NOT WAX AREAS WHERE YOU WALK OR STAND

Cleaning Your User Keypad and Remote Control

Use a soft cloth to wipe the keypad and remote control after each use. If the surface becomes dirty, use a nonabrasive soap and warm water to clean.

How to Flush Your Whirlpool System

Flush your whirlpool system twice a month or more, depending on usage. Use the following sequence in order to correctly flush your whirlpool:
1. Turn the jet trim rings fully clockwise to remove air induction.
2. Fill the whirlpool with warm water to a level at least 2” (5 cm) above the highest jets, or leave water in the whirlpool after using.
3. Add 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of a low-foaming dishwasher detergent and 20 ounces (590 ml) of household bleach (5%- 6% sodium hypochlorite) to the water.
4. Run the whirlpool for 5 to 10 minutes. Turn off whirlpool and drain water.
5. If desired, rinse bath surfaces with water.
6. Rinse surfaces of the jets, faucet, handrails, drain, etc., and wipe them dry with a soft cloth.

Acrylic Baths with Airjets

Cleaning Your Acrylic Bath with Airjets

Do not use powdered cleaners unless the cleaner is fully dissolved in water. Solid substances could block the airjets. Do not use full-strength bleach or ammonia cleaning solutions. Chemically active cleaning solutions can damage the bath surface. Do not use abrasive cleansers or solvents on acrylic surfaces. Abrasive cleaners and solvents can damage the bath surface. Wipe out acrylic bath with a soft cloth after each use. Avoid detergents, disinfectants or cleaning products in aerosol cans. If the surface becomes excessively dirty, use a general-purpose cleaner such as:

NOTE: TO RESTORE DULL OR SCRATCHED UNITS, APPLY WHITE AUTOMOTIVE POLISHING COMPOUND WITH A CLEAN RAG. RUB SCRATCHES AND DULL AREAS VIGOROUSLY. WIPE OFF RESIDUE. FOLLOW WITH A COAT OF WHITE AUTOMOTIVE PASTE WAX. DO NOT WAX AREAS WHERE YOU WALK OR STAND.

Cleaning Your User Keypad and Remote Control

Use a soft cloth to wipe the keypad and remote control after each use. If the surface becomes dirty, use a nonabrasive soap and warm water to clean.

Maintaining the Airjets

If cleaning the airjets is required due to hard water deposits, use a small between-the-teeth dental brush and white vinegar. Dip the brush in the vinegar, brush the hole, rinse the brush in clean water and use the wet rinsed brush to rinse the hole. Fill the bath with water to the top row of airjets. Drain the bath and press the purge button.

Flushing Your Air Bath System

Flush your whirlpool system twice a month or more, depending upon usage. Use the following sequence:

1. Fill bath with water 1 inch above the top of all airjets.
2. While bath is filling, carefully add 1 cup of bleach to the water.
3. Let sit for 10–15 minutes.
4. Drain the water, run the purge cycle and rinse any debris from the bath.
5. Clean bath surfaces as needed with recommended cleaners.
6. Dry the bath with a clean, soft towel.

Care of Cast-Iron Baths

Water conditions in various parts of the country will determine any extra cleaning attention you give your cast-iron tubs. In the meantime, a simple daily care routine will keep your cast-iron tubs fresh and sparkling. KALLISTA does not recommend the use of harsh abrasive cleaners on any of its products. If used regularly, harsh cleaners will scratch and destroy product surfaces. In the rare occurrence of stubborn stains, use abrasive cleaners sparingly. NEVER use abrasive cleaners without water. Rinse thoroughly after each use. Use a soft cloth to wipe the product dry after each use. Use a soft, nylon brush on the tub’s bottom surface. Do not use steel wool or abrasive sponge pads when caring for cast-iron baths.

Care of Cast Bronze

Bronze is a metal that dates back several thousands of years. By nature, bronze develops a dark, rich “living” patina finish that will darken and change over time. Bronze is susceptible to the environment to which it is exposed. Quality of water and exposure to sunlight are two factors that will influence the patina process. This changing appearance is recognized as the natural beauty of bronze. Bronze is a durable, but soft metal. It can be scratched or scuffed. Care should be taken as to how the metal is treated. Although the product is waxed at the manufacturer, wax is only a temporary barrier. We recommend regular waxing to protect your vessel’s finish. Follow maintenance instructions to prevent undesirable changes.

Cleaning Bronze

Do not use any abrasive cleaners, pads or polishes on the finish. These will damage the patina. When cleaning, a soft wet rag with a VERY small amount of dish soap can be used. After cleaning, carefully rinse the surface and dry it with a soft dry cloth.

Care for Bronze

Do not allow water, mouthwash or toothpaste to rest on the bronze surface for a prolonged amount of time. Avoid having household chemicals make contact with your bronze bowl. Rinsing and drying lavatory bowls after each use will prevent harsh watermarks.

Waxing Bronze

A paste wax should be applied after each cleaning. Due to the textured pattern on the exterior side, we suggest waxing only the interior side of your bowl. Once you are certain that the surface is completely dry, a new layer of wax should be reapplied. Remember that your wax is only a temporary barrier; wax regularly to protect your sink’s finish.

Restoring Bronze

If vessel has been poorly maintained and typical cleaning is ineffective, you may use a very fine grit steel wool pad (preferably 000). Buff gently to remove stains, too much force will remove an undesirable amount of finish. Rinse and dry, then wax and buff. Wax should be allowed time to bond to vessel before buffing.

Care of Stainless Steel Sinks

KALLISTA Stainless Steel sinks are the highest quality with Nickel content to guard against corrosion. All our sinks are 18 gauge with a thick Hushcoat undercoating for superior sound absorption. The sinks are made of type 304 quality stainless steel with an 18% chromium and 8% nickel content. This provides excellent resistance to stains and corrosion. To achieve their striking finish and high wear resistance, the sinks go through a number of polishing and buffing operations.

Stainless steel sinks should be cleaned at least once a week. Use cleaners in moderation and rinse immediately; do not let cleaners sit on the surface of the sink. Sinks should be rinsed and wiped out after each use so soap buildup doesn’t occur. Success with cleaners and procedures is dependent upon such factors as the hardness and temperature of the water, using exact measurements of ingredients, changes in cleaning formulas and the condition of the product being cleaned. Since there are variations within these factors, KALLISTA cannot guarantee the effectiveness of the formulas mentioned. Cleaning products recommended include:

DO NOT USE METAL SCOURING PADS or rust stains may appear in the sink. Also do not allow rusty utensils to remain in the sink. DO NOT USE A RUBBER MAT. Organic particles under the mat may decay and cause the sink to be stained. Avoid soaking dishes for a long period of time and refrain from leaving coffee grounds, tea bags or pottery with rough bottoms in the sink. Some chemicals such as chlorides may corrode stainless steel. Make sure you rinse the surface immediately if you use a cleaner with chloride. Do not allow cleaners to remain in contact with the sink for long periods of time.

Care of Wooden Cutting Boards

How to Clean a Wooden Cutting Board

KALLISTA cutting boards are made of beautiful natural materials. Color variations are typical, adding uniqueness and character to the board. To keep it looking great, please follow these simple DO's and DONT'S for how to clean a wooden cutting board.

DO:

• Wipe the cutting board surface with a damp cloth, and dry it thoroughly after each use
• Apply a coat of mineral oil to all cutting board surfaces regularly (especially if material appears faded or dried out)
• Store the cutting board in a dry, well-ventilated area when it is not in use
• Keep these care and cleaning instructions for future reference

DO NOT:

• Clean the cutting board in a dishwasher
• Immerse the cutting board in water
• Use the cutting board in a microwave oven

Care of Stone

Although the product is sealed at the manufacturer, sealants are only a temporary barrier. Regular sealing is recommended to protect your stone’s finish.

Cleaning Stone

Use a neutral soap with warm water to clean. A neutral soap is any soap that you would use on your hands such as soft soaps or mild dish soaps. DO NOT use any soap containing abrasives and/or stain removing chemicals like chlorine. When cleaning stone, soft sponges or soft cotton rags should be used in cleaning. For heavier cleaning, it is recommended to use cleaners especially formulated for natural stone. Cleaners are available for general maintenance as well as heavy duty cleaning and stain removal.

Maintenance of Stone

A matte clear stone sealant should be applied every 3 to 6 months depending on use and water conditions. If the sink is used heavily (every day), the sealer should be applied every 3 months or earlier. If the sink is only used a few times per week the sealer can be applied every 6 months or earlier. A key indicator that a sealer is required is when water no longer beads on the surface of the stone.

General Care for Stone

Although the use of a high-quality penetrating sealer reduces the potential for deep, difficult-to-remove stains, please note that sealing is not fail-safe. It is best to keep chemicals such as chlorine (bleach), fingernail polish remover, fingernail polish, oils, paints, etc., away from the sink. Spills should be wiped up as soon as possible. Stone, like any other natural product, will age and patina, adding to its beauty and character.

Care of Mirrors and Mirrored Products

Mirrors and mirrored cabinets and their interiors are constructed of glass and aluminum. Use only a damp cloth to clean. Ammonia or vinegar-based cleaners can damage the mirrors; the use of these cleaners can attack and damage the edges and backing of mirrors. A 50/50 solution of water and isopropyl alcohol is recommended for cleaning the mirror. Cleaners should never be sprayed directly onto the face of a mirror.

When cleaning, spray the cloth and not the cabinet, mirror or surrounding surfaces. Care should always be taken to avoid getting the edges and backing of the mirror wet. Should they get wet, dry immediately. Do not use abrasive cleaners on any part of the mirror or cabinet. Do not store items in the cabinet area directly behind the hinge, as damage may occur to cabinet or items.

Care of Vitreous China

Cleaning Toilets and Basins

Water conditions in various parts of the country will determine any extra cleaning attention you give your vitreous china. In the meantime, a simple routine of daily care will keep your vitreous china products fresh and sparkling. KALLISTA does not recommend the use of harsh abrasive cleaners on any of its products. If used regularly, harsh cleaners will scratch and destroy china surfaces. In the rare occurrence of stubborn stains, use abrasive cleaners sparingly. NEVER use abrasive cleaners without water while cleaning the toilet. Soft abrasive cleaners may be used to clean KALLISTA vitreous china products. Use a soft cloth to wipe the product dry after each use.

Toilet Cleaning and Maintenance

Use toilet bowl cleaners on the inside of the bowl only. Avoid tank-in cleaners as they can damage the flush valve or other working parts. Wipe any splashes of cleaner solutions from plastic or plated surfaces immediately. In the rare occurrence of stubborn stains, use abrasive cleaners sparingly. NEVER use abrasive cleaners without water. Over time, hard water deposits may clog toilet rim holes and trapways. To handle this problem, purchase a commercial cleaner that’s recommended for the removal of hard water deposits. Follow all instructions on package. Recommended cleaners:

Care of Toilet Seats

Toilet Seats (in general)

Do not allow abrasive chemicals or cosmetics (such as fingernail polish or aftershave) to come in contact with the toilet seat, as they can damage the finish. Use a damp soft sponge or cloth to clean the toilet seat. Rinse seat clean and dry with a soft towel. Let seat air dry and ensure hinge area dries completely.

Cleaning Plastic or Molded Toilet Seats

Clean the outside surface of your toilet seat with a mild soap such as dishwashing liquid and warm water. Wipe the entire surface completely dry with a clean, soft cloth. Use soft abrasive cleaners when necessary to clean your toilet seat. Do not use strong abrasive cleaners, as they will scratch and dull the surface. Wipe any cleaner solution splashes from plastic or plated surfaces immediately. If the surface becomes excessively dirty, use a general-purpose cleaner such as:

Cleaning Painted Wood Toilet Seats

Painted wood seats require special care and cleaning. Use only a mild detergent, such as dishwashing soap.

Cleaning Wood Finish Toilet Seats

Use a humidifier in the winter and an air conditioner in the summer to keep the relative humidity at 25 to 35 percent. Dust with a soft cloth by following the wood grain pattern. Use an old clean T-shirt, baby diaper or cheesecloth. Dust often to remove abrasive particles from wood surfaces. Before dusting, moisten the cloth lightly. A dry cloth can leave hairline scratches on the finish. Surfaces can also be cleaned with a mild non-alkaline soap and water. Test the solution on an out-of-sight section to make sure it doesn’t damage the finish. Use a damp sponge or cloth and dry immediately with a soft cloth following the grain. Use a paste wax every six to twelve months. Remove old wax first with a mild non-alkaline soap and water solution. Avoid waxing urethane-finished surfaces. Waxing these surfaces causes them to gather dust and dirt rather than repel it.

Care for KALLISTA Fine Furniture

Cleaning Furniture with Wood Finishes

Do not use silicone waxes, lemon oil or other oily polishes. Your furniture has a protective lacquer finish that most likely will not require any care other than dusting. However, on highly used surfaces we recommend applying a quality paste wax (such as Minwax® Finishing Wax) which should be used on a regular basis to provide additional protection from scratches and spills. Minwax® Finishing Wax is available at most home improvement stores. How often you apply the wax depends on how much wear the furniture receives. New furniture should be waxed after receipt.

Applying Furniture Wax

Before applying the wax, your furniture should always be clean. For food spills use a cloth or sponge which has been dampened in a mild, soapy water (without ammonia). For oily type smudges and buildup, a cloth dampened with Murphy® Oil Soap will suffice. Remember to follow the manufacturer's directions when using a cleaner of this type. Dry the piece thoroughly with a clean, soft cloth. Apply a thin film of wax to the surface, working a small area at one time. Always rub in the same direction as the woodgrain, then buff with a soft, dry cloth.

Dusting Furniture with Wood Finishes

Between waxing, your wood furniture requires dusting. For a surface that has been paste waxed, use a moist, lint-free cloth and dry immediately with another soft cloth. A pretreated dusting cloth that will attract dust without scratching the finish can also be used. When dusting a surface that has not been paste waxed, we suggest using a cleaning polish such as Endust® that does not contain silicon. Silicon can damage the lacquers and make future refinishing very difficult. Lemon oil and other oil-based polishes should also be avoided, since they attract dust and grit and cause a hazy film on the finish. When caring for colored lacquers, leather Coromandel and gesso-type finishes, follow the same procedure as used for wood finishes.

Caring for Furniture with Painted Finishes

Textured and brushed-painted finishes that have an eggshell sheen lacquer should not be waxed or polished, as they will acquire an undesirable higher sheen. For cleaning, use mild, soapy water, and then dry the surface immediately with a clean, soft cloth.

Tips for Preserving Furniture

Spills should never be wiped; they should be blotted immediately. If water stands on the surface, there is the possibility that it will cause white marks in the lacquer finish. You can remove these blemishes by heating the area with a hair dryer and applying Endust® while the surface is still warm. Follow by buffing with a soft cloth and reapply paste wax if needed. If perfume or nail polish remover is spilled, do not wipe or blot it. The lacquer that has been softened by the chemicals should return to normal when the liquid has totally evaporated. Allow the area to dry, rub it with a fine automotive polishing compound, and then apply a fresh coat of wax. If candle wax drops on your wood-finished surface, hold an ice cube to the wax to harden it. Blot up the water, and use a dull plastic spatula to remove the wax without touching the wood. Gently scrape away any remaining wax, and rub the area with furniture wax to replace the protective coating.

Wood is a natural product. Sun bleaching will occur when wood furniture is exposed to sunlight. This will cause darker finishes to lighten and sometimes cause lighter finishes to darken. For this reason, try to avoid placing furniture in direct sunlight and rearrange accessories from time to time to prevent spot bleaching. Some bleaching will occur under both incandescent and fluorescent lighting. Arrange your furniture so that it does not sit near heat registers, air-conditioning units or radiators. It is important to keep the home or office in which your furniture is placed properly humidified. Lack of humidity (usually in winter months or in dry climates) can cause certain veneers to check and joints to work.

NOTICE
Some plastic feet on computers, calculators, telephones and other rubber or plastic products such as placemats and vinyl notebook binders, etc., contain a plasticizing agent that may discolor or soften the lacquer finish on fine furniture. Always use felt pads under these articles to prevent discoloration or softening of the lacquer. Articles such as glasses, bookends, flowerpots, and hot cups and dishes should have cloth or felt- type pads on them. Beware of some felt pads that have a pre-glued side, as some of these adhesives contain chemicals that can damage the lacquer. Always remember to lift objects rather than slide them across the finish.